Pu Er and Aged Tea

A great addition to our aged tea menu this 357g cake is from a more obscure terroir, compressed using ancient traditions of China. Just as the other neighboring countries of southern Yunnan (Laos, Burma, Vietnam), Thailand has a long history associated with the production of this style of tea. This 2006 Hong Tai Cha is a tea well worthy of attention, selected for its flavour profile, its aging potential, as well as its cultural interest. After rinsing the leaves unfold expressing powerful aromas of vanilla tobacco, leather and burnt wood. The liquor, lively and full, is supported by aromatic …

This lightly fermented tea comes from Yongde region in Yunnan, the “hub" of shou Pu Er. Most of Yunnan is famous for its sheng cha production (the green, unfermented type of Pu Er), Yongde distinguishes itself with by specializing in the production of dark, carefully fermented teas. These shou cha have become the region’s trade mark.

Originating from ecological plantations (Sheng Tai), this shou Pu Er was compressed in the traditional form of the bird's nest (tuo cha). Its liquor, opaque and deep, has a dense and silky texture, enhanced with classic notes of damp undergrowth and roots (licorice). Subtle aerial nuances of incense and oat flowers confer lightness and softness to well-rooted tea. An entry-level aged tea of excellent quality.

Pressed into small 5 gram nests (tuo) For easy preparation, this PuEr harvested in 2011 around the Bulang mountains was produced and stored in Menghai by Vesper Chan. This ideal portion for brewing in teapot, gaiwan, or in your favorite mug at the office, makes this tea perfect for lovers of simplicity.

Here is a 357g cake with the trademark ideogram for the tea in yellow, produced in the Menghai factory from grade 7 leaves, i.e. large leaves. Rinsing releases warm forest, cereal (oat) and fruity fragrances. Its liquor, opaque and supple, boasts a sweet and tangy density evoking molasses or dry fruits (dates). Fine milky and pepper accents enhance the character of this Shou Pu Er with typical deep, rooty notes.

This loose leaf Shou Pu Er consists of medium-sized leaves from ecological plantations at 1600m in the Lincang region (China) was produced following international organic certification standards. Its liquor, brick-coloured and crystalline, reveals its mineral character with aromas of undergrowth and camphor resins. Marine (algae) and cereal (oats) nuances complement the aromatic profile of this silky, easy to drink, tea.

This is a Pu Er compressed in the ancient style of 'zhuan' or 250 gram bricks. The dark, luxurious infusion reflecting its aromatic character of black earth and leather, tempered by a surprising note of aromatic herb. Its liquor is silky and thirst quenching. An accessible tea to drink on a daily basis.

This Shou Pu Er produced by the Haiwan factory, Yunnan, is composed of leaves of medium size compressed into a disc of 357 grams. Upon wetting, it exhales fragrances evoking toasted cereal and forest floor. The infusion reveals a dense, creamy liquid, almost black, and an especially comforting character. Its sweet taste is accompanied by aromas of malt, barley sugar and exotic woods to a soft and subtly fruity finish. Very generous re-infusions.

Created with the expertise of the great factories of the late 20th century, this shu pu er is identified with the tea character "cha" in orange print. The aromas of leather, stone and damp wood emerge from the rinsing of the leaves. Its brown liquor is crystalline and softly deploys its sweet mineral flavors, evoking the purity of a spring water! Incense and candied fruit nuances enhance this balanced and refreshing tea.

Xia Guan Tea Factory has long established itself as a leader in Pu Er markets all over China. Known to produce excellent shou Pu Er tea since the style began in the ‘70s, they have been leading the market with strong exports to Macao, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Tibet. Their teas are highly sought after by collectors.

This very respectable shou Pu Er is offered here in carefully broken pieces of the original cake, a relatively affordable formula when compared to the price of whole cakes of this age. Its liquor is dense and milky, even after two rinses (as is often recommended for these antiques). The sweetness of its attack is accompanied by earthy and woody notes (typical of very old shou) softened by the many years spent in storage. The tea also sports pleasant nuances of fruits and flowers alongside that of camphor. Like an old book read with care and respect, this tea is to be savored with wisdom.